IFM | Whole Health: Medicine's Course Correction

In this episode of Inside Family Medicine Andrew Bazemore, MD, MPH, and Beth Polk, MD, FAAFP join us to discuss whole health in primary care. Dr. Bazemore distinguishes whole health (physical, behavioral, spiritual and socioeconomic well-being across individuals, families and communities) from whole health care (how care is organized), emphasizing a shift from "What's the matter with you?" to "What matters to you?" Dr. Polk connects whole health to lifestyle medicine's pillars and stresses addressing drivers of outcomes beyond the exam room, including social needs. They cite examples from the VA whole health model and community health centers, discuss team-based care, group visits and using existing evaluation and management (E/M) billing while advocating for payment reform. The episode highlights training needs in residency programs, small, actionable practice changes, clinician well-being and the risks and opportunities of AI in supporting whole health.

Topics by timestamp

00:00 Welcome and guests

01:25 Why family medicine

03:36 Why whole health now

05:22 Defining whole health

08:22 Lifestyle medicine link

10:54 Principles and team care

13:03 Real-world examples

16:09 Billing and payment reality

22:05 Training and resources

25:57 Takeaways and next steps

29:51 Salutogenesis explained

30:57 AI and closing

Additional resources

Family Physicians: Leaders in Whole Health

AAFP Pilot Program Shows Value of Lifestyle Medicine

Prevention & Wellness

Scaling Whole Health Strategies in Primary Care: Action Brief

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